Introduction
Wavin has been part of Ireland’s construction landscape since 1958, working closely with builders’ merchants across the country. Over that time, Ireland has changed enormously, with a growing population placing increasing demands on infrastructure. Builders’ merchants have a unique on-the-ground view of what is happening across the construction sector, and Wavin has built long-standing relationships with the trade.
The Hardware Journal spoke to Wavin Ireland Sales Director Declan Conlon and newly appointed UK and Ireland Commercial Director Maxine Cornelius about the market, Wavin’s commitment to Ireland and how its relationship with merchants is evolving.
Declan, what stands out to you about the merchant businesses Wavin works with?
Wavin only sells through builders’ merchants, so those relationships are fundamental to our business. What really stands out is the professional is of the sector and the level of investment merchants continue to make in their businesses – from their branches and teams to digital systems and customer service. They are constantly evolving to meet the standards their customers expect.
Many are long-standing partners and their on-the-ground understanding of the market is invaluable to us. In turn, they look to Wavin for reliable products, technical expertise and solutions they can confidently recommend to their customers.
What trends are shaping the construction market at the moment, and how are they influencing what customers need from Wavin?
Time, labour and cost pressures are influencing product choice. Contractors want solutions that are quick to install, lighter to handle, easier to transport and reduce complexity on site. Products like the Wavin Access Junction (WAJ), Wavin Sewer and NG AquaCell, show how good design can help installers work more efficiently. Strong technical support, clear product information and robust guarantees provide added reassurance.
Sustainability is also increasingly important. Wavin invested early in Environmental Product Declarations across its portfolio and continues to review areas such as packaging and product efficiency.
Maxine, where does Ireland sit within the wider European market and what do you see as the opportunities for the brand here?
Ireland is an important market for Wavin. The Government’s ambition to deliver more than 300,000 new homes by 2030, supported by €9 billion in capital funding, creates significant opportunity across housing, infrastructure and water management.
There is also an opportunity to help customers stay ahead of regulatory and sustainability changes. For example, Wavin has already moved its Tigris fittings to lead-free brass ahead of the new EU Drinking Water Directive requirements, while the Tigris MP range has transitioned to PERT multilayer pipe.
Ireland benefits from the scale, expertise and innovation of a wider Global business, but our focus remains local – understanding what customers need and being ready to support the market as it grows.
Maxine, Wavin is continuing to invest in its Irish operation. What are the priorities for the business over the next few years?
We are progressing plans for the next phase of our facilities in Ireland, including new offices and a visitor centre which are due to open in Q3 2027, followed by a new state-of the-art logistics centre. The use of new technology will be key; helping to further improve the customer experience and working environment for our team.
Our priority is to continue delivering the service, product availability and expertise customers expect. In addition, being part of a global organisation gives us access to innovation in urban water management, including products like TreeTanks, Polder Green Roofs and AquaCell NG, helping address climate and rainfall challenges.
Declan, as products and projects become more technical, how is the relationship between manufacturers and merchants evolving?
Our role is to give merchant teams more than the product itself. It is to provide the knowledge and confidence to advise their customers, backed by strong technical support when required.
This is where the Wavin team is particularly important. We have an experienced and knowledgeable team who understand both our products and the market, and who have built strong relationships with merchants over many years. They are accessible to branch staff and can support specifiers and installers when projects require more detailed technical input.
Digital tools will continue to evolve, but that combination of expertise, personal relationships and being available when customers need us remains central to how we work.
After almost 70 years in Ireland, Wavin continues to invest in its people, facilities and solutions, reinforcing its long-term commitment to the Irish market and the customers it serves.
